How to win friends and influence people
Recommending a self-help book feels kitsch. Yet I wish I'd read Dale Carnegie's book sooner. You'll have heard some of the lessons already. Putting things together as a cohesive whole makes it a must read!
The James Bond series
I've been catching up with the tightly-paced Bond thrillers which were re-issued recently. Ian Fleming's experience in naval intelligence shines in the books. Here's hoping the next film sticks to what a Bond thriller should be like.
Ancient Apocalypse
There's plenty of controversy around Ancient Apocalypse. I enjoyed the key question behind this documentary; why do ancient buildings across the world have common imagery and pre-date key points in human development?
The Dexter series
Fans of crime fiction will remember the Dexter TV series from (almost) 20 years ago. I'm slicing my way through the books by Jeff Lindsay which are laden with the darkest of dark humour!
Heartstopper
This is one of the sweetest wholesome shows on TV. It pulls at the heart-strings without being twee. This coming of age drama leaves you with a guaranteed smile.
Next Goal Wins
A jewel of a film, Next Goal Wins is a comedy based on the true story of the worst football team in history. (They lost 31-0 to Australia in 2001), but how did they overcome that?
Eddie Flynn
This year I discovered Steve Cavanagh's nail-biting legal thrillers. Focused on Eddie Flynn, the most lovable anti-hero you can imagine, these stories will books will keep you company during the winter.
Green Border
This year's Venice film festival hasn't disappointed. Poland's Green Border is about the geopolitical hinterlands between Poland and Belorussia. Directed by Agnieszka Holland, I'm looking forward to watching it with English subtitles.
La Legge di Lydia Poet
My favourite Italian TV series from 2023 is La Legge di Lidia Poet. (The law according to Lidia Poët) for which the second season is already under production. A modern take on a real-life event, this is Sherlock Holmes meets the suffragettes.
The Murder on the Blue Train
Kenneth Branagh is back on screen later this year as Hercule Poirot, the well-known Belgian detective. It's a great time to indulge in the novels again which have been re-released this year. I'm currently devouring The Murder on the Blue Train. Which is your favourite?